The nation was gripped by shock and sorrow on Sunday evening as news broke of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He passed away at
the age of 82 in a London clinic, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Nigeria’s
modern political landscape.
In a gesture of deep respect, President Bola Tinubu has
dispatched Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Femi Gbajabiamila, his chief of
staff, to the United Kingdom to oversee the return of Buhari’s remains.
As a mark of national mourning, Tinubu has ordered flags across the country to fly at half-mast. He has also convened an emergency session of the National Executive Council to honour the memory of his predecessor.
Prominent Nigerians across the country and beyond, as well
as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), are taking to social
media to pay their respects to the late leader.
THE TRIBUTE
Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, Buhari’s state, said the
former president was not just a leader but an “embodiment of the common man’s
aspirations”.
“Today, Nigeria has lost a patriot. Katsina has lost its
most illustrious son, and I have lost a father figure whose footsteps I have
endeavoured to follow. His people-oriented programs and genuine love for
the masses defined his leadership philosophy,” Radda said.
The governor said from his days as a military leader to his
“transformative presidency”, Buhari never forgot his roots and remained connected
to Katsina’s soil and the hearts of its people.
He said Buhari’s passing leaves an “irreplaceable void in
our collective consciousness”.
“As we mourn this irreparable loss, we must also celebrate a
life well-lived in service to humanity,” Radda said, adding that
Buhari’s “legacy of putting people first will continue to inspire
generations of leaders”.
‘DISTINGUISHED STATESMAN’
Omar Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission, said Buhari was a “distinguished statesman”
whose “invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional
integration” across the continent.
“On behalf of all the institutions of the Economic Community
of West African States (ECOWAS), H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the
ECOWAS Commission, extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, to
His Excellency President Bola Ahmed BOLA TINUBU, the Government of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, and to the entire Nigerian people,” Touray wrote in a
statement.
‘PATRIOTIC AND SELFLESS’
Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank
and former minister of agriculture, said Buhari was “patriotic and selfless” in
his service to Nigeria.
“Thank you for your love and support for me. May God comfort
your dear wife and family. May your soul rest in peace,” he said.
‘HE COMPORTED HIMSELF IN A DIGNIFIED MANNER’
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party
(LP) in the 2023 general election, said that as a former leader, Buhari
“comported himself in a dignified manner”.
“His death provides a solemn moment, not just for his family
and close associates, but for our nation as a whole. To his wife,
children, extended family, and to all Nigerians, I extend my deepest
condolences,” Obi said.
‘HIS LEGACY WILL ENDURE’
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Buhari as a
“notable leader, patriot, and elder statesman” who served Nigeria, both as a
military head of state and as president, to the best of his abilities.
“He will be remembered as a courageous leader, a disciplined
officer, and a committed public servant who made considerable contributions
towards the peace and progress of our dear nation,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan said Buhari was “deeply admired” across the strata
for his “decency, integrity and exemplary life of service”.
He added that Buhari was selfless in his commitment to his
duty and served the country with “character and a deep sense of patriotism”.
“In his passing, Nigeria has lost one of its foremost
leaders, and I have lost a respected colleague and elder. His legacy will
continue to endure in the hearts of all who value sacrifice, integrity,
perseverance and devotion to national ethos,” Jonathan said.
‘COURAGEOUS LEADER’
The Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) described Buhari as a “courageous leader and
highly disciplined military officer” who dedicated his life to serving the
nation.
“Nigerians will remember the departed former President for
his roles and policies in government as Governor of Borno State, Federal
Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Chairman of the defunct
Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), Military Head of State and later as democratically
elected President,” Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said.
‘TRUE PATRIOT’
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo described Buhari as “a
true patriot”, noting that his life was “marked by unyielding devotion to the
nation he loved”.
“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency
Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences
and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family, one with whom we had
the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years,” Osinbajo said.
“President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the
nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering
commitment to the public good.”
Osinbajo was vice president during Buhari’s eight-year
administration.
‘HE LEFT BEHIND A SOLID LEGACY’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) said Buhari was an “enigmatic
leader, iconic elder-statesman, and exemplary patriot whose life of devoted
resolve, resilience, discipline and integrity will remain evergreen in the
hearts and minds” of Nigerians.
Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, said Buhari “led a simple but
exceptional life of service” to the nation.
“He has left behind a solid and awe-inspiring legacy of
leadership and service. Against the backdrop of his record of military
service, the departed former President was an unlikely democrat but is one of
the most influential contributors to the strengthening and consolidation of our
democracy,” Morka said.
‘HE LEFT INDELIBLE MARK’
Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the Lagos state house of
assembly, said Buhari served the nation with a commitment that will be
“remembered as a significant part” of the nation’s history.
“His contributions to the development and unity of Nigeria
have left an indelible mark on our country,” said Obasa.
Obasa said while Nigerians grieve Buhari’s loss, they should
remember to honour his “contributions and reflect on the values he championed
throughout his time in Office”.
‘DISCIPLINED, UPRIGHT’
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, said Buhari was “one of the most
patriotic Nigerians to have ever lived”.
The speaker said the former president made a name for
himself as “incorruptible” and lived a life “defined by simplicity and a
remarkable absence of materialism, virtues that earned him widespread respect
and trust” across the country.
“He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and a politician
of repute, who got to the peak of his military and political careers. He
was disciplined, patriotic, modest, and upright. He served the nation for most
of his life in different capacities. Only a few Nigerians have the privilege of
serving their country,” Abbas said.
“Buhari carved a niche for himself as an incorruptible
leader, a man of integrity, and an unflinching commitment to nation-building.
His life was also defined by uncommon simplicity.”
‘HE GAVE HIS ALL’
Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, described Buhari’s death
as a “rude shock” and the end of a “remarkable chapter” in Nigeria’s history.
The monarch said Buhari’s legacy as a disciplined soldier,
selfless leader, and unrepentant patriot will live on.
“Kings and leaders of great legacy are not mourned —they are
celebrated,” the Ooni said via a statement issued by Moses Olafare, his
director of media and public affairs.
“Their footprints in the sands of time remain long after
they have transitioned to the ancestral realm.”
Recalling a recent meeting with the former president, the
monarch said Buhari “was in high spirits, strong and jovial as usual”.
“From the battlefield as a gallant military officer to the
highest office in the land as Commander-in-Chief, President Buhari was a man
who gave his all to the cause of the Nigerian nation. It is really
shocking to realise that he is no more—but I think that in itself is a lesson
to everyone here on earth,” the monarch said.
‘HONEST TO THE CORE’
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace
development, said Buhari was a frugal and honest personality.
“They don’t make them like him anymore: not given to
primitive acquisition of unearned wealth, frugal in living, austere in
lifestyle, not inclined to showboating and incredibly honest to the core,” he
said.
“In fact, he lived all his life in full realisation that
such a day would inevitably come when he would answer to his creator.”
Keyamo was minister of state for labour during Buhari’s
tenure.
‘I’VE LOST A FATHER’
Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, said Buhari’s
passing is a “deep, personal loss”.
Ndume said Buhari was a father figure and mentor who
inspired him with his simplicity, integrity, and devotion to national service.
“The late president was a man I held in the highest regard —
not merely as a statesman, but as a father figure and mentor whose simplicity,
integrity, and commitment to national service deeply inspired me,” he said.
‘I LEARNT FROM HIS EXPERIENCE’
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan said he is “deeply
shaken” by Buhari’s passing, describing their collaboration as one built on
mutual respect and a shared commitment to a stronger, more united Nigeria.
Ahmad, who was senate president during Buhari’s second term
from 2019 to 2023, said every decision they took was “guided by the welfare of
our citizens”.
”President Buhari’s leadership was nothing short of
exemplary, characterised by his resolute integrity, strategic foresight, and
dedication to national security and economic stability,” Lawan said.
”I witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts to steer our
country through challenging times, always prioritising the greater good over
personal gain. Our harmonious partnership in the Senate allowed me to
appreciate his wisdom and decisiveness, as we worked hand in hand to advance
key legislation that addressed the needs of our people.
“From combating insecurity to fostering infrastructure
development, his guidance was a source of confidence and unity among us. It was
an honour to stand by his side, learning from his experience and contributing
to the shared goals that defined his administration.”
‘HIS LOVE FOR NIGERIA WAS UNQUESTIONABLE’
Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo Plc, described Buhari
as a man of “great honour, discipline, and quiet strength”.
He said Buhari served Nigeria with “unwavering dedication”.
“Whether in uniform or in civilian attire, his love for our
country was unquestionable,” Otedola said.
‘A TOWERING FIGURE’
Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, said Buhari had a
“clear vision for Nigeria’s unity and progress”.
“President Buhari was not just a towering figure in our
nation’s history but a man whose life embodied discipline, resilience, and
patriotism. Throughout his lifetime, he was committed to Nigeria’s unity,
security and development,” Jibrin said.
“He served with honour in both military and civilian
leadership, and history will remember him for his efforts to reshape our
nation’s trajectory.”
‘MODEST LIFESTYLE’
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum described Buhari’s death as a
“significant depletion in the ranks of Africa’s all-time great men”.
The governors said Buhari was not just a former president or
military leader, but a national political leader with profound moral courage,
character, and a fantastic sense of duty.
“He would be remembered for his humility, strategic
patience, and modest lifestyle,” the forum said.
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